Does Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Affects Hedonic Hunger?

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the hedonic hunger status and body mass index of university students according to their ultra-processed food consumption.
Subjects and Method: This descriptive, cross-sectional research was conducted with 290 university students who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected by face-to-face interview method through a survey form. A survey form containing general characteristics, Food Frequency Questionnaire (to asses the level of ultra-processed food consumption), Power of Food Scale (to asses the hedonic hunger state), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (to asses depression, anxiety and stress states) was applied to the participants. In the Food Frequency Questionnaire, the minimum and maximum score that can be obtained for each group is between 0-5, and an increase in the score indicates an increase in consumption. These values are between 1-5 for the PFS, and an increase in the score indicates a higher tendency to hedonic hunger. For the DASS-21, these values are between 0-21 and an increase in the score indicates an increase in the level of depression, stress or anxiety of the individual. Anthropometric measurements were carried out by the researcher. Body mass index of individuals is classified based on the World Health Organization (underweight: 18.50-24.99 kg/m2; normal: 18.50-24.99 kg/m2, overweight: 25.0-29.99 kg/m2 and obese: 30.0 kg/m2). SPSS version 22 software was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Of the participants, 76.6% were women and 23.4% were men. The mean score of ultra-processed food consumption of students was found to be 1.74±0.85 according to NOVA food group classification. According to body mass index (BMI) classification, there was no difference between the groups in terms of ultra-processed food consumption, depression, anxiety, stress, and PFS-Tr total and subscale scores (p>0.05). A low-level, statistically significant positive relationship was found between ultra-processed food consumption scores and anxiety (r=0.144, p=0.014), stress (r=0.171, p=0.003), PFS-Tr total (r=0.246, p<0.001), food available (r=0.233, p<0.001), food present (r=0.275, p<0.001) and food taste (r=0.151, p=0.010) subscale scores.
Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that as ultra-processed food consumption increased, regardless of obesity status, hedonic hunger, stress, and anxiety levels also increased. More comprehensive studies including university students living in different regions are needed.